A-Day-in-the-Life-of-an-Immigrant-Entrepreneur-Story-Book

CHICAGOWE GLOBAL NETWORK 13The AmericanDreamPRANAV S. RAMANATHANCountry of Origin: IndiaCompany: Coacharya - Executive Coachingcoacharya.compranav@coacharya.comAlmost exactly 20 years ago, I began my journey toexplore the American Dream. Today, I am a citizen, anentrepreneur, and a family man – born abroad, bredin America.It began with one of many passage rites available foraspiring immigrants to ensure my place in the UnitedStates. Entry with a student visa was followed by awork permit, which later transitioned to residency andeventual citizenship.The technical immigration process took 17 years onpaper, whereas my social assimilation to the Americanculture, took perhaps a third of that time. This was madepossible by the educational and career resources at mydisposal, the endemic system of immigrant support, andthe kindness and camaraderie of my native-born familyand friends.My father, a business executive with a career spanning40 years over three continents, chose to fulfill his talentsby guiding others to fulfill their own. To formalize thisconcept, I agreed to partner with him, and our executivecoaching practice, Coacharya, was born.I am married to a fifth-generation American of Irish-German decent. I am a father to a U.S. born, multiethnic,11-month-old daughter who will inevitably useher smile to change the world. Our rescue Shar-pei(also of mixed origins), reminds me on a daily basis thatunconditional love and loyalty exist.I am content. I live the American dream.A version of this story originally appeared on IndustriousOffice - Chicago’s blog. @IndustriousHQ.During this time I managed to live in four states andseven cities. I attended two universities and earned abachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from each. Iworked for three startups, two corporations and onenon-profit.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT